A 34-Year-Old Industry Worker Experiences Rapid-Onset Shortness of Breath, Dizziness

A 34-year-old industry worker experiences rapid-onset shortness of breath, dizziness, palpitations, and flushed skin after accidental exposure to chemical fumes.  Examination by an occupational physician shows that the patient is tachypneic and has a reddish discoloration of the skin without cyanosis.  The patient is immediately instructed to inhale amyl nitrite from the safety kit.  The success of this antidote is dependent upon its ability to convert hemoglobin into a form with increased affinity for which of the following substances?

A) 2,3-biphosphoglycerate
B) Carbon dioxide
C) Carbon monoxide
D) Cyanide
E) Iron
F) Lead

Correct Answer:

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